Your customers, employees and
community are counting on your business being prepared to handle
emergencies. That is why the Economic Development Office is making
it easier to become prepared for any
eventuality by utilizing a new online service called the Business
Recovery Directory which is now available
online at www.PureEconomics.org/ BusinessRecoveryPublic.
Essentially, it is a password coded set of registration forms
designed with the intent of minimizing the
response time in helping our businesses: 1) by enabling the business
recovery team to assess the magnitude of damage to the business
community to then enlist recovery support from State and Federal
relief agencies; and 2) by identifying local suppliers of critical
services to assist with recovery operations.
As experience taught us, half
the battle is touching base with the businesses in the county
in case of an
emergency. With downed power lines and telephone lines, having
a ready list of emergency contact
information is of considerable value. In addition, this directory
will also help us call on local suppliers of
critical services. Imagine the cost savings and minimized revenue
loss the county will gain from this.
In cognizance of stricter privacy
laws and issues, additional measures have been taken to ensure
information is kept in strict confidence. The online service enjoys
the privilege of security measures through the Charlotte County
network; the user name and password are encrypted and protected
and keeping the information under lock and key is encouraged.
The directory is designed to accommodate continuing changes natural
to an organization. The products and
services the organization provides may be added, changed or deleted.
A review for a new product or service that is not pre-listed may
be considered for inclusion in the list.
A critical business status is awarded to any business or organization
that has taken extra measures such as
having the following: back-up generator; business continuity plan;
computer backups of critical documents and stored offsite; disaster
recovery plan for employees; post-disaster employee accountability
plan; as well as a well-thought-out plan to protect building facilities
and plant.
It is vital that information contained in the directory is correct
and updated, so we strongly encourage you to update your information
as necessary.
Lastly, the Business Recovery Directory site has valuable emergency
information and links within it. For example, the Disaster Preparedness
and Continuity Guide may be downloaded from the site. Also links
to Charlotte County’s Web site ( www. charlottecountyfl.com/
emergency), Florida State’s Emergency Management Office
Web site (www.FloridaDisaster.org), as well as Enterprise Florida’s
informationladen resource Web site (www. eFlorida.com), are available
to ensure Florida businesses are prepared.
Betty Williams is economic development director for the Charlotte
County Economic Development Office (www.PureEconomics.org). You
can call her at (941) 627-3023 or e-mail her at PureEconomics@charlottecountyfl.com.
